One of the most challenging chapters in the Bible is the 13th chapter of First Corinthians, the love chapter in the New Testament. The J. B. Phillips translation of the 13th verse reads, “In this life we have three great qualities — faith, hope, and love — but the greatest of them is love.”  

In a world of constant change and turmoil many people ask the valid question, “Is there anything that is of lasting or eternal value?” Paul answers loud and clear — faith, hope, and love!

God has so created this world and mankind that there are some qualities that last for a day and some are eternal. We are constantly confronted with making choices and decisions.

Paul reminds us that prophecies, tongues, and knowledge may appear to be lasting. In reality, they are temporary and fleeting.

Faith is one of life’s lasting qualities. William James wrote, “Faith is one of the forces by which men live, and the total absence of it means collapse.” 

When Florence Nightingale was asked the secret of her rich and useful life, she replied, “I had faith; that was all.” Our world is in a sad plight today because fear, not faith, often holds the upper hand.

Hope is a companion of faith. Hope is reaching out for something to come. Hope is a positive look to the future. As the hymn says, “Hope is an anchor so steadfast.” 

As we look at the example of Jesus Christ our attitudes cannot be hopeless. Hope is the indispensable medicine of the soul.

Love is the greatest of all three qualities. Faith without love is cold, and hope without Love is grim. Love is the fire which kindles faith, and love is the light which turns Hope into certainty. In the Apostle Paul’s “love chapter or recipe” there are nine ingredients. They are: patience, kindness, generosity, humility, courtesy, unselfishness, self-control, trust, and sincerity.

God has given each of us the awesome gift of free will. We can be a party to the temporary qualities of life alone, or we can commit our lives to life’s lasting qualities: faith, hope and love. May we accept the challenge to make these lasting qualities our agenda for living.